How to fix Apple Watch battery drain after the watchOS 12 update

We’ve all been there. You wake up, strap on your favorite piece of wrist tech, and head out for a busy day in Dubai. But by lunchtime, you glance down and realize your Apple Watch is screaming for a charger at 10%. If this started happening right after you installed the watchOS 12 update, Apple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update don’t panic you aren’t alone. Indeed, many users have reported that their once-reliable battery life has taken a massive hit following the latest software rollout.

Actually, major software updates often trigger a period of “indexing,” where the system re-scans data and optimizes new features. However, if the drain persists for more than a few days, it’s likely a software glitch or a configuration setting that needs a quick tweak. In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact steps to get your Apple Watch back to lasting a full day (and then some).

Why watchOS 12 Might Be Killing Your Battery

Specifically, new updates like watchOS 12 introduce advanced background processes and deeper integration with iOS 19. While these features make the watch smarter, they can also be power-hungry. Consequently, several “hidden” settings might be running overtime without you realizing it.

1. The Indexing Phase forApple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update

Usually, for the first 48 hours after an update, your watch is working hard in the background. Instead of worrying immediately, give it two days to settle down. But, if you’re a week in and still hitting the charger twice a day, it’s time to take action.

2. Background App Refresh for Apple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update

This is often the primary culprit. Furthermore, many third-party apps may not yet be fully optimized for watchOS 12, causing them to “hang” or constantly ping for data. As a result, your battery drains at double the normal rate.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Apple Watch Battery issue

When troubleshooting, it’s best to start with the simplest solutions before moving to more drastic measures like a factory reset.

Step 1: Force Restart Both Devices for Apple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update

Indeed, a simple restart can clear out temporary cache files that got stuck during the update.

• On your Watch: Hold down the Side Button and Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
• On your iPhone: Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Power Button. Doing this forces the communication link between your phone and watch to refresh.

Step 2: Review Background App Refresh

Specifically, you don’t need every app on your wrist checking for updates every five minutes.

• Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
• Go to General > Background App Refresh.
• Ideally, turn off the main toggle, or manually disable apps like Maps, Stocks, or third-party news apps that you don’t use hourly.

Step 3: Check “Wake on Wrist Raise” for Apple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update

Actually, if you move your hands a lot while working or driving, your screen might be turning on hundreds of times a day. Instead, try disabling this feature:

• Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
• Toggle off Wake on Wrist Raise. Consequently, you’ll have to tap the screen to see the time, which can save up to 15-20% of your battery daily.

Milaaj Mobile and Laptop Repair Al Barsha: Professional Watch Care

Even though software tweaks solve most issues, sometimes the timing of an update coincides with actual hardware failure. If your battery health has dropped significantly, or if your watch is physically overheating, it’s time for a professional look.

At Milaaj mobile and laptop repair Al Barsha, we specialize in the delicate art of Apple Watch maintenance. Our shop in the Iridium Building is equipped with the tools necessary to handle:

• Speed Repairing: We know you rely on your watch for fitness and notifications; we aim for same-day battery replacements.
• Low Price: We provide high-quality repairs at a fraction of the cost of brand-new replacements.
• Part Quality: We only use premium-grade batteries that meet or exceed original specifications, ensuring your watch doesn’t just work it lasts.
• Convenience: With our free pickup and delivery service across Dubai, you don’t even have to leave your home to get your tech fixed.

Advanced Fix: Unpair and Re-pair for Apple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update

If the drain is still unbearable, the “nuclear option” is often the most effective. Actually, unpairing your watch creates a fresh backup on your iPhone and wipes the watch clean. Then, when you re-pair it, it reloads the OS without the corrupted files that might have been causing the drain.

1. Keep your watch and iPhone close.
2. Open the Watch app > All Watches > Info (i) icon.
3. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
4. Once finished, set it up again as a “New Watch” to ensure no old bugs are carried over.

FAQ: Apple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update

1. What is a “normal” battery percentage drop after an update?

Usually, a 5-10% extra drop in the first two days is normal due to indexing. However, losing 20-30% an hour is definitely a sign of a software bug or a hardware issue.

2. Can I downgrade watchOS 12 back to watchOS 11?

Technically, no. Apple does not allow users to downgrade watchOS versions once they are installed. Therefore, your best bet is to optimize settings or wait for the next “point” update (like 12.0.1) which usually contains bug fixes.

3. Does the “Always On” display kill the battery?

Indeed, it uses more power than a standard display. Specifically, on watchOS 12, if you are experiencing drain, turning off “Always On” in Display & Brightness is one of the fastest ways to see an immediate improvement.

4. My watch gets hot while charging after the update. Is this dangerous?

Actually, it’s common for the watch to get warm if it’s trying to sync large amounts of data while charging. But, if it’s too hot to touch, unplug it and bring it to a professional like Milaaj Al Barsha for a safety check.

5. Will Low Power Mode affect my heart rate tracking?

Specifically, yes. Low Power Mode limits background heart rate readings and irregular rhythm notifications. Instead, only use this when you are below 20% and need to stay connected.

Final Thoughts: Apple Watch battery drain after watchOS 12 update

In conclusion, a battery-draining update is a frustration we all face in the modern world. As a result of the complexity of watchOS 12, minor bugs are expected. Nevertheless, by following the steps above limiting background activity, restarting your devices, and monitoring your battery health you can usually resolve the issue yourself.

And remember, if the software fixes don’t do the trick, the experts at Milaaj are always here to help with a professional diagnostic.

Other Services:

• Need other iPhone repairs? Check out Milaaj’s apple watch repair services in Dubai.
• Looking to upgrade? Learn about selling your used device in Dubai.
• For Apple users, check Apple trade-in options in Dubai.

📍 Visit Any Milaaj Branch in Dubai

Shop Locations: Al Barsha | Bur Dubai | Reef Mall, Salah Al Din | Al Nuaimiya, Ajman
Email: support@milaaj.com
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday